FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Translation is the comprehension of the meaning of a text and the subsequent production of an equivalent text, likewise called a “translation,” that communicates the same message in another language. The text that is translated is called the source text, and the language that it is translated into is called the target language.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Translation)

Language localization (L10N) can be defined as the second phase of a larger process (Internationalization and localization) of product translation and cultural adaptation (for specific countries, regions, groups) to account for differences in distinct markets. Thus, it is important not to reduce it to a mere translation activity because it involves a comprehensive study of the target culture in order to correctly adapt the product. The localization process is most generally related to cultural adaptation and translation of software, video games and websites, and less frequently to any written translation (although these also involve cultural adaptation processes). The process of localizing can be done for regions or countries where people speak different languages, or where the same language is spoken. Just recall the language differences in countries where Spanish is natively spoken (for instance, in South America), or where English is the official language (e.g., in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines).
(Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_localization)

Typically, a single translator can translate about 1500 words per day, followed by proofreading, QA and reviews by the project manager. So for about 1500-2000 words (approximately 5 A4 pages) it takes 2 working days to deliver.

For shorter turnaround time on larger volumes, it is possible to deploy multiple translators and perform additional reviews to ensure a good quality deliverable.

Mayflower signs individual Confidentiality agreements (NDA) with every client and every translator it works with. Other project management measures are taken to ensure full confidentiality of the information shared with us. Write to us for further details.

These are a part and parcel of a language grammar. Stripped of these, there would be no language to translate from and the translation would make no sense. For instance, there are nuances in meaning of Client and Client. The Client is a specific client, could be any client). The meaning of the translation will change without these articles and therefore these are not discounted from the word count for translation

Usually, translated files are sent to the client in the same format as the original source file formats, except for un-editable documents. For instance, if the source file is in .XLS, the translated document will also be .XLS. Software localization files are also returned in the same format as the source files.

Translation estimates are usually based on the total number of words (word count) in a document. Other factors that influence cost and turnaround time are the file format (MS Word, Excel, PDF, etc), language pair (German to English or English to German), images etc. Share the document(s) with us for a complete cost-effort estimate.

We can work with resource bundles directly or with strings extracted into MS Excel. File formats we work with frequently for software localization are .DLL, .RC, .RESX, .HTML, .XML, .PO, .PROPERTIES, .MUI, .INI, .XLS, etc.

The cost variation is mainly due to the rarity of the language. When a language is rare, the number of translators available to work on that language is also rare and hence they command a higher price in the market. Cost of living in the target country and demand for that language also affects rates.

A few Asian languages like Japanese and Chinese are more labor intensive than others.

E.g.: Japanese language has more than 8,000 characters and consumes more time than producing text in western languages. While converting a western language to Japanese language, the structure of the text written in western language will need to be adapted to Japanese cultural norms. The difference can be very subtle and complex to grasp. These are some of the factors that make Japanese an expensive language.

We can work with resource bundles directly or with strings extracted into MS Excel. File formats we work with frequently for software localization are .DLL, .RC, .RESX, .HTML, .XML, .PO, .PROPERTIES, .MUI, .INI, .XLS, etc.

Translation rates vary from language to language. The complete cost-effort is determined by evaluating the word count + language pair + file format/editing effort required + QA cycles required + turnaround time available. We will be happy to send you a general rate-sheet or a sample quote on receiving your enquiry.

Four teams work on any translation/localization project “ Project Management team, Production team, QA team and DTP team. However, you will interact with a single point of contact (SPOC) designated for your project.

As a rule, Mayflower works with native translators based in their countries of origin for the relevant target language. (For example, for translating a document from English to Dutch, we would select a Dutch national living in the Netherlands). They are selected to work on a particular project based on their experience in the relevant domain and number of years of experience in translating the relevant type of content.

Certainly. Send us the links to the pages on your website that need translation. Alternatively, you could also send us the text for translation in HTML formats as a zipped folder. We will discuss and finalize the scope of work with you and arrive at a suitable agreement for localization or your website.

You can also consult with Mayflower on cultural inputs for the website design for foreign markets.

In isolation, Machine Translations are good for getting a gist of a simple correspondence at best. For all official purposes, translations done by a professional human translator are a must. In general, Mayflower does not undertake proofreading/revision of a machine translated text.

Native translators have a very good hold on the target language and keep themselves updated on the latest terminology in usage in their country. They are also well-versed with the cultural nuances of their language and are therefore instrumental in achieving good quality translation. It is certainly more expensive than employing a non-native, however the quality benefits of working with native translators are substantial.

Translation is the comprehension of the meaning of a text and the subsequent production of an equivalent text, likewise called a “translation,” that communicates the same message in another language. The text that is translated is called the source text, and the language that it is translated into is called the target language.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Translation)

Language localization (L10N) can be defined as the second phase of a larger process (Internationalization and localization) of product translation and cultural adaptation (for specific countries, regions, groups) to account for differences in distinct markets. Thus, it is important not to reduce it to a mere translation activity because it involves a comprehensive study of the target culture in order to correctly adapt the product. The localization process is most generally related to cultural adaptation and translation of software, video games and websites, and less frequently to any written translation (although these also involve cultural adaptation processes). The process of localizing can be done for regions or countries where people speak different languages, or where the same language is spoken. Just recall the language differences in countries where Spanish is natively spoken (for instance, in South America), or where English is the official language (e.g., in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines).
(Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_localization)

Translation rates vary from language to language. The complete cost-effort is determined by evaluating the word count + language pair + file format/editing effort required + QA cycles required + turnaround time available. We will be happy to send you a general rate-sheet or a sample quote on receiving your enquiry.

Mayflower uses CAT tools like SDL Trados to create and reuse translations, maintain and improve consistency in terminology and quality across projects, as well as a cost-cutting measure, benefits of which are eventually passed-on to the client.

Mayflower will study your requirement and create a language lessons course adapted to your business objectives. Typically, survival basics can be learned in 50-60 hours. However, it takes a minimum of 150 hours of training to achieve a certain level of fluency in any language.

We also provide cultural-orientation/ inter-cultural courses that will help you deal with cultural issues/taboos/dos and donats in the country you are visiting.

We specialize in conducting Intercultural Orientation Courses for companies whose employees work with multi-cultural teams and need to travel for work. These are effective and compact one- two day workshops with the objective of providing basic language skills, business etiquette and cultural awareness.